LM
Generic Name
Levocetirizine
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| lm 5 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 90.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Levocetirizine 5 mg Tablet is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and itching. It works by blocking histamine, a natural substance that the body produces during an allergic reaction.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
5 mg orally once daily in the evening. Some patients may be adequately controlled with 2.5 mg once daily.
Elderly
No dosage adjustment is recommended for elderly patients with normal renal function. For elderly patients with impaired renal function, dosage should be adjusted based on creatinine clearance.
Renal_impairment
Mild (CrCl 50-80 mL/min): 2.5 mg once daily. Moderate (CrCl 30-49 mL/min): 2.5 mg every other day. Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): Contraindicated. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis: Contraindicated.
How to Take
May be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, do not chew or crush it. It is recommended to take the dose in the evening.
Mechanism of Action
Levocetirizine is a potent and selective H1-receptor antagonist. It blocks the peripheral H1-histamine receptors, thereby inhibiting the effects of histamine which include vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and itching.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Within 1 hour
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine (approximately 85.4% of the dose) via glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion.
Half life
Approximately 7-10 hours in adults.
Absorption
Rapidly and extensively absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 0.9 hours.
Metabolism
Low level of metabolism (less than 14% of the dose) occurs in the liver.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or any component of the formulation
- Patients with end-stage renal disease (CrCl <10 mL/min) or those undergoing hemodialysis
- Children 6 to 11 years of age with renal impairment
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir
May increase levocetirizine plasma levels.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
May increase CNS depression.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness in adults and agitation or restlessness followed by drowsiness in children. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote for levocetirizine overdose. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion is recent.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed. Levocetirizine is excreted in human milk; use with caution in breastfeeding mothers.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, cetirizine, or any component of the formulation
- Patients with end-stage renal disease (CrCl <10 mL/min) or those undergoing hemodialysis
- Children 6 to 11 years of age with renal impairment
Drug Interactions
Ritonavir
May increase levocetirizine plasma levels.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
May increase CNS depression.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness in adults and agitation or restlessness followed by drowsiness in children. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote for levocetirizine overdose. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered if ingestion is recent.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed. Levocetirizine is excreted in human milk; use with caution in breastfeeding mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of levocetirizine for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Lab Monitoring
- No routine lab monitoring required. Renal function should be assessed in patients with suspected impairment.
Doctor Notes
- Advise patients about potential for drowsiness and avoidance of activities requiring mental alertness.
- Counsel on proper administration, especially regarding renal impairment dosage adjustments.
- Consider drug interactions with CNS depressants.
Patient Guidelines
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine as it may increase drowsiness.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how they react to the medication.
Lifestyle Advice
- Identify and avoid known allergens to help manage allergy symptoms.
- Keep your home clean and dust-free to minimize exposure to indoor allergens.
- Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and ease congestion.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in LM Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
